How to Wear Different Tunic Shirt Styles

Tunic shirts are a staple every woman needs to have in her wardrobe, without a doubt. With total versatility, generous sizing and flattering for all body types, tunic tops are an unsung hero. 

Now, you may ask yourself, “What do I wear with a tunic?” from time-to-time, so we’re on hand with this guide that shows you what to wear with a tunic, no matter the weather, occasion shape, or style of your tunic top. 

If you want to start from the very basics, check out our inspiration guide on What is a Tunic and How to Wear Them.

Let’s dive right in.

Tunics are often overlooked in favour of blouses and longline tops, but if you don’t own a tunic, you’re really missing out! Check our Tunics v Blouses guide on how to wear these timeless fashion favourites if you want more inspiration on how they differ - and why you should have both in your wardrobe.

If you're unsure about styling a tunic for a petite frame, don't worry - we haven't forgotten about you! Check out our guide on styling tunics for petite silhouettes

Sleeveless tunics are a perfect summer staple that needs to be the first thing in your holiday suitcase. From block-coloured floaty pieces to colourful tunics bursting with head-turning patterns, the styling possibilities are bountiful. 

We love styling our sleeveless tunics with a pair of capris to elongate your shape, which you can wear with a choice of heels or pumps depending on what the day has in store for you. If you’re headed for warmer climates, a pair of cute shorts and sandals will have you ready for the beach bar.

If there’s a chill in the air, wear your sleeveless tunic top with a long sleeve jersey rollneck top underneath, and wear your tunic with leggings and long boots to keep toasty and warm.

Boho tunic tops are easily identified by their floaty shape, bright pattern and extra details like embroidery, tassels or whimsical patterns like florals or mixed border prints.  Let’s learn how to style boho tunic tops. 

For the floaty, embroidered styles that are simply crying out for summer, pair them with a cute pair of shorts and Western-style boots for ultimate festival vibes. Be sure to pair with your boho accessories like stacking your bracelets, necklaces, a Western style cowboy hat and a pair of big sunglasses for extra styling points. 

If there’s a chill in the air, pair your boho tunic with a longline cardigan and add a pair of flares to enhance your silhouette. Be sure to carry the boho theme through to your accessories, like a fringed handbag and a statement necklace to draw the eye inwards.

Hanky hem tunic tops really capture attention thanks to their asymmetrical hemline that creates a versatile, feminine silhouette. The cut of the handkerchief hemline has its purpose, too! It creates a gorgeous flowing effect to the skirt, ensuring you feel like your most vibrant, stylish self. 

With a hanky hem tunic top, the trick is to keep the tunic itself as the focal point. So we love pairing this with neutral colours such as black, white or blue denim. (Yes, blue denim is a neutral colour!) To keep the silhouette simple, we recommend a pair of straight jeans or skinny jeans to let your stunning hanky hem do all the talking. Keep the footwear simple with a pair of black bootees or white pumps and add a leather jacket for some extra edge.

Block-coloured tunics that don’t have a pattern allow you to express yourself in many different ways. So, break out those funky shoes you’ve been dying to wear, add that glitzy handbag you love, wear the statement jewellery. Hell, go the whole hog and style yourself with the pieces in your wardrobe that make you feel amazing!

Style your plain tunic with your most favourite pair of jeans and shoes, and add a funky cardigan if there’s a chill in the air. Stack on your bracelets and layer a couple of necklaces to provide some extra intrigue and you’re set!

If you feel like ramping up the drama, wear your plain tunic with shorts and long boots and add a kimono to add some interesting layers. Bonus points if you add sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat!

The trick to styling a patterned tunic is by letting your tunic top be the centrepiece to the entire outfit. When styling your patterned tunic, think of the shape. Is it floaty? Does it have a long silhouette or is it fitted? Does it have embroidery or beading? What is the colour palette? 

If your tunic is floaty, we recommend you pair these with skinny jeans or leggings. Anything that hugs the figure will let the silhouette of the tunic top be the focal point without looking too busy. When it comes to the colour, pick a colour that corresponds to the palette of your tunic. For instance, if you have a tunic with a blue and white floral print, opt for white skinny jeans for a clean look you’ll love to wear. 

If your tunic is fitted, you can easily experiment with what you want to layer over the top. Choose a chunky cardigan for a layered approach and add leggings with slouchy boots to really bring out the texture in your outfit. Accessories can play a great role here too, like an oversized handbag or a structured crossbody bag to really play with your new style. 

Joe’s top tip: Whatever you choose, make sure you think it looks fabulous first and foremost. Tunics flatter every body type, but it’s how you feel on the inside that keeps all eyes on you. You are wearing the tunic, so don’t let the tunic wear you. 

For more ways to wear a tunic, read our blog, 5 Ways to Wear Your Tunic Tops.

• Styling a Tunic Top in Spring: Style your tunic with leggings, bootees and a cardigan that you can take on or off depending on whatever the British weather decides to do. Be sure to also take your rain mac in case of any sudden downpours!
• Styling a Tunic Top in Summer: Style your tunic top with shorts, sandals and sunglasses for a drop-dead gorgeous look that’ll take you from beach to bar! Here, you can accessorise to the max, so break out your bangles, necklaces and add a wide-brimmed hat for a look you’ll absolutely love.
• Styling a Tunic Top in Autumn: We love a tunic styled for autumn. We recommend a pair of skinny or straight jeans, long boots and a leather jacket for a snug autumnal look that’s simply made for autumnal walks amongst the falling leaves. If you choose a sleeveless tunic, make sure to wear a long sleeve roll neck top underneath for a layered look that never goes out of style.
• Styling a Tunic Top in Winter: Choose a long-sleeved tunic made from super soft jersey material to ramp up the cosy vibes. Add a hat, gloves, scarf and some chunky boots, you’ll be ready to battle the elements with a healthy helping of style.

Styling a tunic for work is simple when using these few tricks. Pick something that has a tailored edge to it, like pleat detailing, or something plain white if you have a slightly stricter dress code. Simply pair these with a black tailored trouser and a slingback heel for a sleek, chic look. 

If you want to elevate your outfit up a notch, style your tunic with a pair of wide leg cropped trousers and wear a belt to cinch you in at the waist and add a blazer for a super smart, layered work outfit.

Dress a tunic down by wearing it with your favourite pair of jeans and some pumps, or some leggings and your favourite cardigan. Dressing down doesn’t have to mean plain, so why not try out a couple of accessories to elevate your style and make it look more thought-out and deliberate?

Break out those heels, we’re painting the town red! Choose your favourite pair of heels and handbag, and dress your tunic up by wearing it with tights and shorts or your favourite pair of slim-fit jeans that hug your figure in all the right places. Simply add a leather jacket for some edge or a boxy blazer and you’re ready to go!